Are you not a fan of iPhones or Apple products? Maybe you’re a long-time iPhone user who is ready to make the switch to an Android phone or maybe you are someone who just likes trying out different phones. Whatever your situation is, these are the top 5 Android phones you need to take a
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New Chrome Update for Android Users
A quick update for our Android lovers out there. Google Chrome is back at it again! This time with a snazzy update for Android users. Introducing Chrome 53, released this September (2016). The latest version of Google Chrome, which previously limited certain features to desktop users only, has just been revamped so that certain specific
Manly Phone Cases for Android Users
Calling all men with phone breaking issues! With all the wear and tear that gets put onto our smartphones these days, whether it be dropping it on the floor at work or running it over with the lawn mower, it’s no surprise that phone shattering disasters are more than common. If this sounds like you, it’s
$22,000 Vertu Android phone? Sure!
Do you want to stand out from the crowd? Is the HTC One M8 or LG G3 not premium enough for you? Fear no more, Vertu has an answer for you with their new Signature Touch Android smartphone. For those of you not familiar with Vertu, they are an ultra luxury phone manufacturer that was set up by Nokia
Less.Mail: Artificial Intelligence based email assistant
Robin Labs has just launched a new email app for Android users called Less.Mail. While there are hundreds of email apps in the Google Play Store, Less.Mail is an all new Artificial Intelligence based email client that handles routine email responses by using automatic responses based on the original email’s context. Users are able to
Moto G – Motorola improves its already impressive mid-tier device
Motorola had its moment at IFA last week. It released its much anticipated Moto360 smartwatch, the successor to the Moto X, the Moto Hint bluetooth accessory and, probably its most important device – a new and updated Moto G. The Moto G was a great success in the emerging markets. At under $200 off-contract, it
LG trying to steal the spotlight from the Moto360
Motorola has teased the Moto360 for months now. Google introduced 3 smartwatches during its Google I/O earlier this year, but it was the Moto360, with its circular design, that stole the show. There was audible disappointment in the crowd when it was mentioned that the Moto360 would not be released until the end of the
Samsung Galaxy Alpha reported to be the first of a new A series from Samsung
We recently covered Samsung’s new metal-framed Galaxy Alpha. It received a lot of attention because Samsung was finally moving away from the cheap plastic that it has always been criticized for compared to the premium builds of the HTC One M8 and the iPhone. At the time, it was believed that the Galaxy Alpha was
Microsoft’s Windows Phone is headed in the right direction with the Lumia 635
There has been an influx of mid-tier no-contract phones recently. More often than not, they are at great price points and offer the best “bang for buck” options for everyday users out there. The small no-contract movement started by the Google Nexus devices a few years ago has now become a full-scale movement with all
Galaxy Alpha: Samsung finally moving away from plastic
If you have owned a Samsung smartphone in the past 3 years, you know that Samsung has a love for plastic on their devices. More so than any other manufacturer, much to its users’ chagrin in the face if iPhone and HTC One fans. Samsung have increasingly come under pressure to use more premium materials.
Here is your $22,000 Vertu Android phone!
Do you want to stand out from the crowd? Is the HTC One M8 or LG G3 not premium enough for you? Fear no more, Vertu has an answer for you with their new Signature Touch Android smartphone. For those of you not familiar with Vertu, they are an ultra luxury phone manufacturer that was
InkCase Plus: the Second Screen for Android Phone
Do you know how to improve battery life of your smartphone? The best way is to attach a second screen. With the low-power second screen, you do not have to turn your main display on when you want to use your phone. A new Kickstarter project, InkCase Plus, can be a helpful companion of your
10 Things You Need To Know About Your New Android Wear Device
1. You will need an Android phone running Android 4.3 or higher and one that has Bluetooth for your Android Wear device to sync with your mobile device. 2. They will come with a tutorial that will walk you through the functionality of your new Android Wear device. 3. You have to speak to it
Top Android Phones that you won’t find at your US carrier store
As a US customer, it is fair to say that our Android experience is “limited” to the big 5 of the Android world – Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony and Motorola. But, the Android OS is open-source, so any manufacturer can use it if they wish, and use they have. There are literally hundreds of OEM
Google is Taking Control of its Android brand
Android is known for its customizability and the fact that the same OS can look completely different depending on which manufacturer (OEM) you decide to go with. Samsung’s TouchWiz looks very different to HTC’s Sense – it may have the same functionality underneath, but there is no mistaking that the two Android skins look different
Google Introduces its biggest ever update to Android: Android L
In what was a huge day for Android news, the biggest announcement at Google I/O was probably the new version of Android, Android L, that is coming out later this summer. We’re not exactly sure what the “L” stands for currently, but we do know that it features a completely redesigned UI, improved security, performance,
Jolla: It’s our OS running on Android devices
For those who can recall, Nokia had an Operating System called MeeGo that it later axed in favor of Windows Phone. So, some of those building MeeGo left to form Jolla, a company that went on to develop its own operating system called Sailfish. According to Jolla CEO Tomi Pienimaki, Jolla, being a smaller company
The Samsung Galaxy K Zoom is official: here are the details!
The digital world has gotten used to news of giant phone makers releasing giant 5-7 inches Smartphones. But when a phone with a giant protruding camera is released, it sure becomes something to gawk at. That is exactly what Samsung has done when it unveiled the Samsung Galaxy K Zoom on 29th April. It seems
Why Is Nokia Planning a Cheaper Android Phone?
Nokia is planning to debut low priced Android phones. The Mobile maker whose mobile business is set to become the part of Microsoft Corporation will introduce cheaper handsets whose Operating system will be made by its biggest rival, Google. In a bid to maintain its market share and avoid being swallowed up by android and
The worst Android bloatware on US smartphone manufacturers and carriers!
Most Android phones come with useless software/apps that are pre-installed by the device manufacturer and/or your carrier (looking at you Samsung and Verizon). This is what we call “bloatware” and it takes up valuable storage space on your device and drain your battery by running discreetly in the background. To give you an example,
Samsung Galaxy S5 versus HTC One M8: Which new Android smartphone wins?
This is 2014’s head-to-head Android fight. These two heavyweight devices, the HTC One M8 and the Samsung Galaxy s5, have been the two most anticipated Android phones for the last couple of months. The HTC has received far less acclaim or hype, but has recently escalated to the top of the smartphone ranks with this
Mobile Devices and Security: Ensuring That Your Android Stays Smooth and Trouble Free
As the infiltration of mobile devices into everyday society becomes more and more pronounced, the possibilities that these handy little time savers can be used by criminals to wreak untold havoc increase as well. As a result, it has now become just as important to make sure that your mobile device is as secure as
Samsung S Health: Upgrade In The Works!
Are there any Samsung S series users out there? You definitely might have used S Health application. With S Health, you can always manage your health on the go. The S Health app makes your device a powerhouse of personal health management. Recently, we got news that Samsung software team is ready to launch an
Nokia Normandy: What Is This Mysterious Smartphone?
The different and unusual kind of Smartphone from Nokia is quite making the headlines for being “apart from the mainstream” phones. Now there is also inquisitiveness among tech lovers on this mystery phone from Nokia. It is not yet launched, but surely it has created a lot of buzz among our mobile savvy experts. What
Samsung Galaxy S5 Rumors- What to expect?
The Samsung’s answer to Apple’s iPhone 5s is currently trending in the technology market. The internet is flooded with rumors and speculations about Samsung’s next smartphone. What is next for the Samsung Galaxy? What are the specs? Let us look what online communities are saying about Galaxy S5, from physical specs to internal upgrades: Physical
Android OS Overwhelming? Helpouts On The Way!
For all those who have problems with Windows PC or Android app or OS – Helpout is here. Helpouts is a video chat service introduced by Google, built on the interface and servers of Hangouts. This is a chat based help out zone and is designed specifically for users to connect with experts and learn
Announcing the Vivo Xplay 3S
Smartphones versus Phablets – Vivo’s XPLAY 3S is the first smartphone that has a 2560×1440 pixel display! Get the details on this new phone from China!
Apple TV Versus Chromecast
Do you wish to stream online videos from your mobiles or tablets to big TV screens? Then, think about Apple TV and Google Chromecast!
Top 3 Smartwatches On The Market
Do you think that Smart watches are an extra gadget as a symbol of luxury? A fleeting trend? Let’s see some interesting facts that proves this idea wrong!
Best Dating App: OKCupid
Every week, Top Mobile Trends features a dating app. Online (and mobile app) Dating has increased in popularity over the years, and seems to be part of the dating norm now. This week, our Featured Best Dating App is OKCupid – the cream of the crop of online dating!
Samsung Galaxy Mega: Phone or Tablet
Samsung first launched the hefty, but extremely stylish Galaxy Note, then came the even bigger Galaxy Note II and now we have the father of all phones, the Samsung Galaxy Mega.
U.S Release Dates Of the Latest Android Phones
If you are in the U.S and are eager to learn the release dates of the latest Android phones, you have come to the right place. There are a number of really cool handsets that are up for release in the coming months. Let’s have a look: Galaxy Note 3 This feature-packed device
Locket, App that Pays You to See Ads Adds Voting Aspect
The following via Anthony Ha of TechCrunch.com Locket, the startup that pays Android users to engage with ads, is now asking those users to weigh in on the type of ads that they want to see. When users install Locket, they’ll start to see ads on their lock screens, and they can swipe left to claim
Nextdoor: Social Media for Neighborhoods Now on ANDROID
By G+ Author: Grace Barry. Nextdoor is the social network for neighborhoods, and has been building neighborhoods since 2011, currentlywith over 18,000 neighborhoods, with around 75 being added each day. Nextdoor has been available in the Apple App Store for 3 months, with 20% of the sites content being generated from mobile – and was launched
Android takes over the Smartphone Market
By G+ Author: Dennis Tablott. We recently wrote on the constant battle between Android and Apple ranging from “My phone’s prettier than yours” too “Well my camera’s better than yours”. Well today, the Android users will be walking around proud and smug, as Android secures 80% of the worldwide Smartphone market for Q2 2013. Strategy
August Smart Lock: Open your door the smart way!
If you dig around in your pockets or purse for your keys that just don’t want to be found and then fumble around trying to unlock the door – then the August Smart Lock might be for you.
Google wants to get into our Pants!
Google Wallet differs greatly from Square Wallet, but thats to be expected-google plays in a whole different ball park. Google will allow you to send money via Gmail. On Google’s site it says “This feature will be rolling out to Gmail users ages 18+ in the U.S. over the next few months. Look for the $ icon in your attachment options. You can also get earlier access if your friends have the feature and send money to you.
Iron Man 3 now available in Google Play
Iron Man 3 flies his way to Android, grab it for free from Google Play Gameloft has published Iron Man 3 to Google Play this morning, bringing the Marvel hero to life on your Android phone or tablet. Fly your way through this endless runner meets on-rails shooter, fighting against A.I.M. forces in Malibu Shores,
Samsung Galaxy S4 sees first complete firmware leak
Firmware version I9500ZCUAMDG comes complete with all Odin files With every big phone release comes a software leak just ahead of launch day. Today, it’s the Samsung Galaxy S4‘s turn to show us the software. AdamLange of XDA Developers has been kind enough to post the first leaked version of Galaxy S4 firmware, in its complete form.
T-Mobile’s Samsung Galaxy S2 getting Jelly Bean update
Android 4.1.2 update available through Kies application today Good news for owners of the Samsung Galaxy S2 on T-Mobile USA — your update to Jelly Bean is due to start rolling out today. The update weighs a hefty 756MB and is available through Samsung’s Kies software utility, bringing the phone up to Android 4.1.2.
SuperBeam: Transfer files using Wifi Direct, NFC or QR codes
A great file transfer tool for power users As advanced as mobile devices get, getting files from one device to the other can still be problematic. Cloud storage apps like Dropbox can clog up your Internet connection. The BlueTooth-based Android Beam is slow, and can only be used for certain items. And S Beam, though
Reminder: Android 4.2.2 pushing now for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus
Manual update file also is available Just a quick reminder, folks, that Android 4.2.2 (Build JDQ39) is now available for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. You get all the benefits that other Galaxy Nexus owners have enjoyed for months, including DayDreams, lock screen widgets and the new trace keyboard, among other improvements. Folks are reporting that
Samsung lock screen bypassed entirely with clever, meticulous trickery
Another Samsung lock screen security issue has come to light today, potentially allowing someone with physical access to a Jelly Bean-based Samsung phone to bypass a pattern or PIN lock. Brought to light by blogger Terrence Eden — who you may remember from his earlier Note 2 exploits — this one’s particularly impressive because of
Start your week with a double shot of the Android Central Podcast!
Not sure if you noticed, but last week was a bit … insane. Not only were we (and we still are) knee deep in the HTC One, but we hit New York City for the announcement of the Samsung Galaxy S4. And somewhere in there we managed to squeeze in not one but two
Deal of the Day: Musubo RubberBand Case for Samsung Galaxy S3
The March 20 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Musubo RubberBand Case for Samsung Galaxy S3. Ultra-durable soft-touch material absorbs life’s daily impacts while complimenting your Galaxy S3 with a stunning, precision fit design. The rubber band design of this case allows a better grip on your device as well as access to the
Bowling Blocks: Physics puzzle fun
We’re always on the lookout for well-made puzzle games and time-wasters, and Bowling Blocks hits that area perfectly. It’s a game that’s low on frills but has a solid set of fundamentals and an original gameplay idea. The graphics are funky and unique, with a fitting soundtrack that ties it all together as well. While
Deal of the Day: Amzer Skin Case for Motorola Atrix HD
The March 18 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Amzer Skin Case for Motorola Atrix HD. Made out of 100% premium silicone, the Amzer Skin Case is a great lightweight option for protecting your Atrix HD while adding little bulk. This skin absorbs shock from drops and provides additional grip to your device. Comes
Verizon officially gets its Galaxy Note 10.1 on Thursday
Just a quick heads up that the Verizon LTE version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 that we first told you would be landing on March 7 … is now officially landing on March 7. It’ll be available in stores and online for $599.99. The Galaxy Note 10.1 showcases Samsung’s S Pen, with a number
Announcing our Winners in the ‘Spring into TEGRA’ Contest!
First off, we would like to thank everyone for submitting their entries. The fun and creativity put into your entries was definitely on display. We really appreciate the time and effort put in to each and every entry… so THANK YOU! Second, a BIG THANKS to our friends @NVIDIA. They’ve stepped up to partner with
Device Info Live Wallpaper: system information right on your homescreen
A lot of live wallpapers are just for show, and while Device Info Ex certainly looks cool, it can actually show you some really useful information as well. This live wallpaper takes every bit of information about the internals of your phone and puts them on display in a minimalist control panel look behind every
Super Hexagon update helps with lag on Nexus 7, other devices
Super Hexagon, that ridiculously difficult and ridiculously awesome game from Terry Cavanaugh, received an update today that, among other things fixes input lag on a number of devices, notably the Nexus 7. That’s been a sore spot for many of us since launch. Also, the game should now launch faster, setup has been improved, and
Verizon Galaxy S3 seeing its Android 4.1.2 update today
Verizon's Galaxy S3 is getting its update to Android 4.1.2, with the new build hitting phones right about … now! Here's the full changelog for VRBMB1: Keyboard Predictive Text feature has been improved User can take pictures while on a call Manual refresh button has been added to lock screen stock ticker Email syncing has
Humble Bundle 5 brings six games in one awesome deal
There’s no better way to get a handful of awesome Android applications for one low price than the Humble Bundle, and it’s back in its fifth iteration with up to six titles. The gist is that you pay whatever you want and get these four apps: Beat Hazard Ultra, a musically powered arcade shooter Dynamite
Sony Xperia Z hands-on and initial review
For Android fans, the Sony Xperia Z was one of the highlights of a fairly quiet CES. A 5-inch, 1080p phone with a bold new design language and fancy new camera technology, the Xperia Z was probably the most compelling phone of the show. And just a couple of months later, it's now available to
Android 4.2.2 OTA for the Nexus 4 is a go, kills unofficial LTE [updated]
The Android 4.2.2 update for the Nexus 4 is rolling out to users, bringing all the bug smashing goodness you can handle to the latest Nexus phone. It’s build JDQ39, just like we saw for the other Nexus devices and checks in at about 54MB. If you’re curious about what this update brings you can
Sprint Galaxy S3 receiving large OTA update
It looks like many users with the Samsung Galaxy SIII (S3) on Sprint are receiving a relatively large — about 157MB — OTA update on their devices. Grant, who sent us the above screenshot, notes that this is a Samsung software update and not a regular firmware update. Sprint’s support pages indicate that the update to
Deal of the Day: OtterBox Commuter Series Case for Galaxy S3
The March 5 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the OtterBox Commuter Series Case for Galaxy S3. This case offers a unique design with reliable strength against drops. A durable silicone layer wraps around the Galaxy S3 while a one-piece, custom molded polycarbonate shell sits on top for double the protection. Available in black, green,
Android malware scanners — should you use one
Recently we've seen AVG, an Android “security” app marking other applications as malware when they aren't. That's called a false positive, and it's a fairly common occurrence. When it happens to a popular app, it always causes confusion and gets everybody unnecessarily stressed out. This time it also got us thinking — do people really need
Return of the video podcasts!
As many of you noticed — and rightly kicked our collective asses about — Mobile Nations video podcasts haven't exactly been working right for a while now. Sure, the YouTube versions were fine, but the .mp4 files we made available over RSS, iTunes, and direct download would error out as often as not. Well, that's
Trailer debuts for ‘The Internship,’ shot on location at Mountain View
By now you’ve likely heard of a forthcoming movie, The Internship, starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson that sees Google at it’s core. The trailer for the flick, set for release this summer, has debuted, and looks to be a hilarious take on life on the Mountain View complex. Vaughn and Wilson play 2 out
Google Now now incorporates Google Doodles
A nice little treat this morning — Google Now is now pulling in Google Doodles following yesterday's update. Whereas those of us outside of major metro areas would see a stock image, we're now seeing the same as you would on Google.com. (That any different for those of you in a big city Let us
ZEN and TECH 50: Fitness month nutrition special!
Georgia and Rene are joined by Android Central‘s Phil Nickinson to talk Mobile Nations Fitness Month and the benefits of good nutrition. From crazy schedules to family and work stresses to modern technology, we break down the habits, challenges, and importance of eating right and feeling great! type=”audio/mpeg”> Subscribe via RSS: Audio | Video
Deal of the Day: Seidio ACTIVE Case for Motorola Droid RAZR M
The Feb. 14 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Seidio ACTIVE Case for Motorola Droid RAZR M. The ACTIVE Case provides great shock and impact absorption while adding minimal bulk to your device. This two-layer case features a compact and lightweight rubber polymer with a precisely positioned hard skeleton for added protection. Comes in
Qualcomm details Quick Charge 1.0, available on more than 70 devices
Exisiting technology helps supported devices charge up to 40 percent faster Qualcomm today in a blog post detailed a feature we haven't talked much about — Quick Charge 1.0. It's part of a Snapdragon-powered phone's power management and, on paper, allows it to “charge up to 40 percent faster than older phones.” It's all done
Semi-pro tip: With Android 4.2.2 here, your Android SDK might need updating
Chances are if you're a serious Android developer you keep your Android SDK updated on a regular basis. But there are many of us who need it just for basic command-line work and don't bother with regular updates. Nothing really wrong with that. But Android 4.2.2 brings about a new security feature in regards to
Sonos update bringing favorites improvements, new widget for Android app
Sonos is rolling out an update to both its hardware setups and mobile apps to enable new features today. The first part of the update will come to the Sonos base station itself, and will improve the handling of favorites. Users will now be able to add tracks, albums and radio stations to favorites no
Motorola makes Platinum Droid RAZR M officially official
We saw a new color of the Motorola Droid RAZR M pop up for sale on best Buy's website last week, and now Motorola is confirming its existence. The device is the same internally as the original colors of the RAZR M, but externally it's got a shiny new coat of platinum (c'mon, it's silver)
Google Now shown off in latest Nexus 4 commercial
Google just aired their latest Android-specific commercial during the Grammys (as well as posted it online), and it's all about the Nexus 4 and Google Now. We've long said that Google Now is the killer feature of Android, and tonight's ad pushes that point home. Weather, train schedules, local guides and translation portions of Google
Fresh LG leaks fuel reports of Korean Optimus G Pro; new L-style phones spotted
We're less than two weeks away from heading off to Barcelona, Spain for Mobile World Congress, and we're starting to see more reports of what LG might have to unveil at the show. Last week we saw leaked images suggesting the Optimus G Pro might make its way to the U+ carrier in LG's native
O2 Tracks app offers UK Top 40 playback, for a price
If you follow obscure app-related news, you might remember that Samsung, MusicQubed and the Official Charts Company launched a UK Top 40 app last summer for owners of certain Samsung devices. That promotion's now come to an end, and this time around it's O2 that's partnering with the Charts Company with its own Top 40
Deal of the Day: Mobi Desktop Cradle for Samsung Galaxy S3
The Feb. 11 ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day is the Mobi Desktop Cradle for Samsung Galaxy S3. This convenient cradle lets you dock your Galaxy S3 at your desk and charge your device, plus a spare battery at the same time. The USB cable also allows you to sync the device to your PC while the
Is this the HTC One New image hits Twitter
This morning notorious Twitter leaker Evleaks posted the above image, claiming it is the forthcoming HTC One. The new flagship from HTC, formerly known as the “M7,” looks in this render to be an attractive, if unconventional handset — its shell seems to share a few design similarities with the BlackBerry Z10 and iPhone 5. HTC Sense also seems to
Mobile Nations fitness month week 2: Nutrition!
Leave a comment below telling us your Fitness Month goals and be entered to win a Withings Wireless Scale! It’s February and you know what that means Mobile Nations Fitness Month! That’s when we all get together to get in shape, share tips and tricks and recipes for success, review amazing apps and accessories, give
ebookers hotel-finding app launches for Android
New into Google Play is “Hotels by ebookers,” which aims to provide users with money saving offers and hotel tips. According to the company, users of the application could save up to 65 percent when browsing for last minute deals – something not to be sniffed at. When looking for a hotel it makes sense
Nexus 4 wireless charger finally available for $59.99
Google has finally put the Nexus 4’s official wireless charger on sale for $59.99, with a five-charger limit. The charger uses the Qi wireless technology, which juices up your phone without having to actually plug in the device. So you put it down to charge, pick it up and go. The tech specs list a